Convenience store clerk shot in robbery

SEMINOLE -- A convenience store clerk was shot in the leg Friday afternoon during a holdup. Steve Sharnick, 28, was wounded in the left thigh. His condition was being evaluated at Bayfront Medical Center.

Pinellas County sheriff's Deputy Cal Dennie said Sharnick works at Poor Bob's at 10595 Seminole Blvd. A man went into the store about 2:50 p.m. and walked toward the back to get a drink, officials said.

Then he went to the front counter and asked Sharnick for cigarettes. Sharnick turned to get the cigarettes. When he faced the man, he found himself looking at a handgun. "The gunman told him not to do anything that would make him shoot him," Dennie said.

"Then he shot him. (Sharnick) gave him the money after he was shot." The robber was described as white, 190 pounds and in his late 30s. He had short, blond hair. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 582-6200.